Herinneren is een vorm van ontmoeten…

When I first met Abel, it was a simple, everyday moment in our Potsdam neighborhood. We were both dropping our children off at kindergarten. As I was leaving, he held the door for me and waited. As Africans in a new place, there was an instant connection, but it was Abel's down-to-earth personality that made him start the conversation.

During that initial conversation, I learned he was a PostDoc researcher at PIK while I was a PhD student.

A year later, I found myself in a crisis: my PhD funding was threatened, and I was told to find a new supervisor. After several failed attempts, I went to Abel as a last resort. After understanding my circumstance, without too much deliberation or bureaucracy, he agreed to take over my supervision.

From the moment I started working with him, everything changed. The trust and academic freedom he gave me unlocked my potential. It was a reminder that when the right people come into your life, the right things start to happen.

As I neared the completion of my PhD, I applied for a PostDoc position I have now. Abel provided a strong recommendation letter, which I believe was a key reason in helping me secure the job. Reflecting on this, I realized that the door he held open for me at the kindergarten was a metaphor for the opportunity he would open for me in the years to come. When I told him I got the position, he simply said, "You will shine." Of course, the light I shine is a reflection of the light he shared with me.

There are no accidental meetings; people come into our lives for a reason. I knew life was too short for wasted conversations, but I never imagined your time with us would be this short. Thank you, Abel, and goodbye.

Dear Abel,

Life is unfair. You just finished the "first half" and then this turned suddenly into a "game over".
You had so much to offer. A great heart, a warm smile, a good sense of humour, dedication, persistence, and creativity. You were not a "follower" who just repeated what others did. You were developing into a "leader" with a vision and innovative ideas. I will certainly miss that as a colleague and friend.

I wish your family all the strength that is needed to go on.

The day before, I was bragging of having had one of the best PhD supervisors and only to wake up to the shattering news of your passing. A mixture of wisdom, kindness and humility. May your family be deeply comforted during this time.

International Christian Fellowship - Enschede is schocked to hear of the sad news. Our thoughts and prayers are with the young family that has lost their husband and father. As a word of encouragement we cite Psalms 34:18:
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
On behalf of ICF-Enschede,
Paul van Dijk

I had the chance to work with Abel on project about coffee. It was during Covid times, challenging times. I remember that Abel's presence in online meetings was always a joy. I remember particularly his phrase "Let's hope for the best", when things were uncertain and I felt stressed. He also taught me a lot about crop suitability mapping. I am truly grateful to had the chance to know Abel, though we never met in person. I hope that his family finds strength to cope with the loss of Abel, and that his positive spirit continues to be present among them, his entire family, friends and colleagues.

I was deeply saddened to hear of Abel’s sudden passing. He was a kind, easy-going, and brilliant person, and it was a privilege to work alongside him. I will always remember the time we spent together while doing the UTQ Component 5 — his dedication, energy, and kindness made the process productive and enjoyable. He had a way of making complex things feel approachable.
I will also never forget his unique way of connecting his roots to his work — honoring his farming heritage by saying he “grew crops in his computers.” The phrase touched me as it reflected his creativity, humility, and respect for where he came from.
My thoughts are with his family and closest friends during this difficult time, and I hope they find comfort in knowing how many lives he touched and inspired.

With deepest sympathy,
Rosa

I am at a loss for words and can hardly process what I have just read, it was one of the most shocking and heartbreaking messages I have ever received on WhatsApp. Abel was more than just a mentor; he was a dear friend, an inspiring teacher, and a guiding light who gave a whole new dimension to my career journey. He was full of dreams, energy, and an infectious enthusiasm for life and learning.

May his beautiful soul rest in eternal peace!